tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the practice of traveling for recreation

2

: the guidance or management of tourists

3

a

: the promotion or encouragement of touring

b

: the accommodation of tourists

Examples of tourism in a Sentence

The city developed the riverfront to encourage tourism.

She has a job in tourism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Every year, our parks welcome countless field trips, fanboat tours and fishing expeditions, fueling tourism and connecting locals and visitors to these special places. — Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Beyond the immediate economic impact, screen tourism is estimated to drive some 100 million visits worldwide, with the sector projected to be worth more than $142 billion by 2032. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

This will be a big new weapon in the arsenal of the convention and tourism agency Choose Chicago! — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Water levels and tourism From July 2025 to July 2026, short-term rental occupancy fell by 10% in the nearby City of Page. — Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

• ism
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism

Kids Definition

tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm 

: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling